Angie Doll has emerged as a (t)railblazer in the traditionally male-dominated rail industry. As the CEO of Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), Angie brings a fresh perspective and a commitment to driving change in the sector.
Her leadership, rooted in fostering inclusivity and operational excellence, is transforming not only her organization but also perceptions of women in rail.
“Rail is an industry with so much opportunity,” Angie says. “It’s a privilege to work with such passionate people and to be part of delivering services that are essential to our community’s lives.”
Angie shares more about her career journey into her role as, arguably, the most senior woman in rail in the UK, her vision for the future of rail, and why there’s never been a better time to join her at GTR.
Inspiring leadership in action
Since joining GTR in 2022 as its Chief Operating Officer, Angie has already played a pivotal role in the company’s evolution. Her background in the sector spans multiple senior roles across some of the industry’s most prominent players.
Her tenure has included leading the Southern and Gatwick Express services for Southeastern Rail as the Managing Director for over five years. This included managing teams during challenging periods, such as the aftermath of industrial disputes and the pandemic. Despite these trials, she has consistently focused on collaboration and innovation.
Reflecting on the industry’s challenges, Angie has said:
“We know the pandemic has had a long-term effect on how people travel, and it’s up to us to rebuild confidence in rail. But my strategy has always been to build bridges with unions and staff, stabilize the business, and improve to be the best. You have to give people a sense of direction and where they’re going and show them the building blocks along the way.”
On taking on her current CEO position in late 2023, Angie shares:
“This railway is very close to my heart, and I feel proud and honored to take on this new challenge. My absolute focus is partnering with our stakeholders and industry colleagues to deliver for our customers so we meet their needs, connect people, and help communities thrive.”
Her forward-thinking approach is evident in her push for a more customer-centric railway. From initiatives to improve accessibility to supporting hybrid working patterns, Angie drives solutions tailored to passengers’ changing needs.
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An authentic champion for Women in Rail
As one of the few female leaders in the rail sector, Angie is passionate about creating opportunities for women. Reflecting on her journey into leadership, she shares it hasn’t always been easy:
“People often ask me what it’s like to be a woman in a male organization. When I joined, the biggest thing was, ‘How can you be a station manager if you haven’t done the job before?’. The currency is your history and experience – you really get accepted after about ten years.”
With this in mind, Angie acknowledges the need to make rail more inclusive. With a focus on empowerment and collaboration, values she believes are essential for building a diverse and effective workforce, Angie emphasizes:
“We need to do more to attract women into the industry and support them to stay and progress. It’s about listening to people, understanding their challenges, and working together to find solutions.”
Under her leadership, GTR has implemented programs encouraging more women to join the rail industry, including targeted recruitment initiatives and mentorship schemes. Earlier this year, the company celebrated a 50% increase in women starting a new role in their apprenticeship schemes, with women making up a third of new employees.
GTR is committed to supporting women’s exploration of a successful career in rail, no matter what stage of their lives they’re at. Through a partnership with Career Returners, GTR offers opportunities for women returning from career gaps due to childcare, illness, or other personal reasons. This initiative helps remove the “career break penalty” and provides a pathway for women to thrive in the rail industry.
How Angie’s prioritising sustainability and innovation
GTR operates responsibly by serving passengers and positively impacting the communities around its stations. The company focuses on making a meaningful difference in three key areas of society: supporting young people, addressing homelessness, and promoting mental health and healthcare.
Angie’s vision for the future extends beyond immediate operational improvements to encompass this long-term sustainability:
“I’ve worked in the railway industry for 22 years, and I am genuinely excited by the opportunity ahead, as we need to adapt quickly to changes in customers’ behaviors and expectations. GTR is committed to protecting the future and delivering a more sustainable railway.”
GTR’s environmental initiatives include reducing carbon emissions and promoting green travel. In July 2024, the company announced science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), to achieve net zero by 2050. The company aims to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% and scope three emissions by 24% by 2029, aligning with efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
This ongoing commitment reflects Angie’s commitment to leaving a positive legacy. Her leadership ensures that sustainability is not just a buzzword but an actionable priority for the organization:
“Rail has a vital role to play in tackling climate change. By encouraging more people to travel by train, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable growth.”
An optimistic new era for rail
Angie’s journey to CEO is a testament to her resilience and dedication. With such a long-standing commitment to railway across multiple roles and operational expertise, she brings a unique perspective to the industry.
Her focus on collaboration, inclusion, and innovation sets her apart as a leader committed to creating a better future for rail and all who want to explore what a career in the sector could look like for them.
Looking ahead, Angie is optimistic about rail’s potential to adapt and thrive.
“We have a huge opportunity to redefine what rail means to people. By working together, we can create a service that is inclusive, reliable, and sustainable.”
Her leadership is not just about navigating today’s challenges but about shaping tomorrow’s rail industry.
